Former French forward now turned disk jockey (DJ) Djibril Cisse
Doha: Former French forward now turned disk jockey (DJ) Djibril Cisse has tipped France to go all the way and defend the title at this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
The 41-year-old, who played 42 times for Les Blues, scoring nine goals, will be in Qatar on December 7 at Amber Lounge, which is set to make its month-long debut in Doha from November 27 to December 18 at the Le Royal Meridien hotel as part of celebrations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“It’s the World Cup, and every team has the chance to win, but of course, I’m behind Les Bleus,” Cisse told The Peninsula via email.
“The team are fantastic, and the players are well-prepared. I support them, of course; hopefully, they will come back with the trophy,” he added.
The defending champions are favourites in Qatar despite missing a sea of stars, including Paul Pogba, Kante, and Benzema. Their opening match defeat against Australia has lessened scepticism around the team.
On the other hand, Cisse, who played in Qatar for Al Gharafa in 2013, also lauded the infrastructure in Qatar for the World Cup.
“The sporting facilities were already quite amazing when I played for Al Gharafa, and I was very impressed when I came here. Now, the infrastructure is incredible and possibly one of the best in the world. This does not surprise me because it is a logical continuation of the country’s development in sport.”
Meanwhile, Cisse, alongside a stellar line-up of stars including Basement Jaxx, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lil Jon, The Stickmen Project, Fatman Scoop, Le Twins and others, will headline Amber Lounge’s VIP afterparty celebrations during the World Cup.
“I was lucky enough to be put in touch with them via a booking agency. They asked my manager if I would come to Qatar for this special event, and it was too good of an opportunity to miss, so I naturally said yes,” said Cisse, who is scheduled to make an appearance on December 7.
“Amber Lounge is so well known for being the best F1 (Formula One) afterparty, so I’m very excited for my first time performing for them and during the World Cup. It’s a perfect match.”
The former Liverpool man -- a music lover since he was a kid said his DJ set is energetic and gives a “feeling of travel to the rhythms of the different musical genres that characterizes me.”
“I’m incredibly excited to come to Qatar for Amber Lounge. On this occasion, I come here as a DJ, so it’s like a new chapter of my life, so I’m feeling really great about it. I’ve played in Qatar before, so I’m happy to be back again in such a warm and welcoming country. I want to use this occasion to reconnect with my fans on a different level,” he added.
